Prologue
History books say that His Majesty, Lord Uchiha Sasuke came into power when his brother fell ill.
Fell ill.
That was such an inadequate euphemism for 'diagnosed with cancer.'
That was too simple a sentence to encapsulate the tailspin Sasuke's life had spun in the moment Itachi had collapsed. As his brother lay on the very brink of death, Uchiha Fugaku held constant meetings with the Council. Day in a day out, sidestepping the media frenzy, deciding the best course of action – until they'd pinned their heavy gazes on him. Until the burden of responsibilities had suddenly shifted from his brother's now-too-frail shoulders onto his healthy ones.
He'd never had a choice and he'd been fine with it – anything to ease itachi's troubles.
But it hadn't taken him too long to realize that being second-in-line was much, much easier than bearing the weight of the actual crown. He remembered his mother's dim smile at his emergency coronation. He remembered his father's tight gaze. But the thing he remembered the most was Izumi – tired and world-worn, nodding her approval and thanks at him. That small gesture had made everything worth it.
History books say that Lady Uchiha was plucked from the commonalities.
Plucked.
Like a flower out of its rightful stem.
What an accurate word for what had happened.
The kingdom had balloted for the position of Her Royal Highness. In troubled times where the previous Crown Prince had succumbed to such a heartbreaking disease, it was the Crown's way of bringing in some lighthearted folly for every citizen under them.
Had Sakura known she'd be chosen?
No.
She's only just applied as a frivolous joke - a day spent to appease Ino, who had truly wanted to apply.
The official balloting results were to be announced on a Monday, at noon.
The official selection, however, was not done in front of the public, because the crown was merciful. They knew what they were asking. They wanted to give the winner a chance to accept. The crown was also merciless. So the selection process was intensive, debilitating, and time-taking. women fighting with women for the position of Queen.
Both merciful and merciless, the crown found her adequate enough to be the next crown princess and the future queen.
tbc